District 4: Elise Jones

Elise Jones is the Executive Director of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP), a nonprofit organization that advocates for energy efficiency, building decarbonization, clean transportation, smart land use and housing, and other climate solutions in the southwest United States.

Prior to joining SWEEP in 2021, she served as a Boulder County Commissioner for eight years, where she focused on transportation and sustainability issues. While commissioner, she represented Boulder County on the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), which she chaired in 2016; as the DRCOG representative to the Statewide Transportation Advisory Committee; on the Northwest Mayors and Commissioners Coalition; and on the Regional Air Quality Council. Elise co-chaired the RTD Accountability Committee in 2020-21 to develop recommendations to improve the Denver Metro Area’s transit agency. She was also appointed by Governor Polis to serve for six years on the Air Quality Control Commission, the state regulatory body in charge of ensuring clean air and a healthy climate in Colorado.

Prior to running for public office, Elise was the Executive Director of Colorado Environmental Coalition (now called Conservation Colorado) for 13 years. She has also worked as a regional director for the League of Conservation Voters; a senior legislative assistant for Oregon congresswoman Elizabeth Furse; and a policy advocate for the National Wildlife Federation.

Elise holds a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources from Cornell University in New York and a master’s degree in Resource Policy, Planning and Administration from the University of Michigan.

In addition to the Transportation Commission, she currently serves on the boards of Smart Growth America, Western Leaders Network, Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center, and Utah Clean Energy. She spends her free time enjoying the great Colorado outdoors, by trail running, mountain biking, telemark skiing, hiking, and playing ultimate frisbee.

Term Ends: July 1, 2029